12th Nov 2025 07:57
(Alliance News) - Experian posts double-digit profit growth, while SSE launches a GBP33 billion investment plan as interim profit declines.
Here is what you need to know before the London market open:
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MARKETS
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FTSE 100: called marginally up at 9,902.00
GBP: lower at USD1.3146 (USD1.3173 at previous London equities close)
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BROKER RATINGS
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Bofa cuts Auto Trader Group to 'neutral' (buy) - price target 820 (920) pence
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Jefferies cuts Hiscox to 'underperform' (buy) - price target 1,068 (1,500) pence
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Deutsche Bank Research cuts Hilton Food price target to 850 (1,105) pence - 'buy'
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Deutsche Bank Research Raises FDM Group Holdings to 'buy' (hold) - price target 180 (145) pence
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COMPANIES - FTSE 100
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Experian reports a 12% rise in revenue for the six months ended September 30 to USD4.07 billion from USD3.63 billion a year earlier, while pretax profit climbs 36% to USD975 million from USD718 million. Benchmark earnings before interest and tax increase 14% to USD1.15 billion, with margin up 50 basis points at constant currency. The provider of consumer credit score checking, fraud detection, and credit application processing says organic revenue growth reaches 8%, led by demand for data, analytics, and consumer services. Chief Executive Officer Brian Cassin says Experian delivers "strong growth in revenue, earnings and cash flow" and remains on track with its cloud migration and AI-driven transformation. The company now expects financial 2026 total revenue growth of 11%, at the top end of its prior guidance, and margin accretion of 30 to 50 basis points. The interim dividend rises 10% to 21.25 US cents per share from 19.25 US cents a year prior.
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BAE Systems says trading in the second half is in line with expectations and maintains its upgraded full-year guidance provided at the half-year results in July. The defence contractor reports an order intake of more than GBP27 billion so far this year, including GBP4 billion for Typhoon aircraft for Turkey and multiple US defence contracts. It says the recent agreement between the UK and Norway for the supply of at least five Type 26 frigates is expected to lead to a "substantial order" once contracts are finalised. Chief Executive Officer Charles Woodburn says BAE continues to deliver "strong financial and operational performance," supported by a record order backlog and rising NATO defence spending. "The recently announced spending increases across NATO provide a very supportive backdrop for growth over the medium term," says BAE.
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SSE posts a 31% fall in pretax profit in the six months to September 30 to GBP586.3 million from GBP845.9 million a year earlier, as earnings per share drop 45% to 26.4p from 47.7p, while revenue rises 3.9% to GBP4.63 billion from GBP4.46 billion. The company declares an interim dividend of 21.4p, up from 21.2p, and maintains its full-year EPS target of 175p to 200p. The electricity generator also unveils a fully funded GBP33 billion investment plan to 2030, allocating GBP27 billion to UK electricity networks and GBP6 billion to renewables and flexibility projects. It expects earnings per share to grow 50% and dividends by 5% to 10% annually through the decade, with net debt to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation to remain below 4.5x.
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COMPANIES - FTSE 250
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Taylor Wimpey says it continues to expect 2025 UK home completions, excluding joint ventures, between 10,400 and 10,800 and group operating profit including joint ventures of around GBP424 million, in line with prior guidance. The housebuilder reports a "resilient performance" despite softer market conditions and uncertainty ahead of the UK government's November 26 budget. The order book as of November 9 stands at 7,253 homes worth about GBP2.12 billion, down from 7,771 a year earlier. Chief Executive Officer Jennie Daly says the company remains focused on driving landbank efficiency and optimising returns while benefiting from planning reforms, adding that Taylor Wimpey is "well positioned to capitalise on the improving planning environment."
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Marshalls says full-year expectations remain unchanged after reporting revenue of GBP548 million for the 10 months to October 31, up 2% from GBP535 million a year earlier. The landscaping and building materials firm maintains guidance for adjusted pretax profit between GBP42 million and GBP46 million. It says its landscaping performance improvement plan is on track to deliver GBP11 million in annualised cost savings, including GBP9 million from network optimisation and a potential GBP2 million gain from exiting UK quarried stone processing. Chief Executive Officer Matt Pullen says: "Marshalls has delivered a resilient performance, with group revenues up two per cent year-on-year despite current market conditions, and our full year profit expectations remain unchanged."
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OTHER COMPANIES
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Jet2 says it will begin scheduled flights from London Gatwick Airport for the first time in late March 2026, expanding its UK base network to 14. The airline secures slots for six aircraft, including five Airbus A321neos to be based at Gatwick, aiming to extend its service-led holiday offering to around 15 million potential customers in the South of England. Jet2 says the expansion marks a "transformational next step" in its growth strategy, with operations expected to turn profitable by financial 2029, following initial setup and promotional costs. CEO Steve Heapy calls the move a "once in a generation opportunity" to accelerate Jet2's long-term growth.
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By Eva Castanedo, Alliance News reporter
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